Selective singlet oxygen generation by microporous biochar for peracetic acid activation

Abstract

This study shows that the pyrolysis temperature and atmosphere critically affect the physiochemical properties of biochar. NH₃-assisted pyrolysis at 900 °C produces biochar (NH₃-C-900) with superior activity for peracetic acid activation, selectively generating singlet oxygen for rapid phenol degradation. Micropores contribute positively to the catalytic performance, with CO groups serving as the key active sites, while C–O and COOH are unfavorable.